You get to know a person pretty well when you help them create the home that is a reflection of their tastes and their family’s needs. It’s just been a little over two years since Melba requested my assistance with her kitchen — but it feels like I’ve known her (gratefully) for longer.
Let’s go upstairs to the open plan living and dining rooms…
Some of my best clients come from reading this blog…Melba was a referral (but from a client who’s friend reads CCH, our little happy place). It was great to see that our tastes aligned. And she collects fun art and accessories!
You can see that the architecture is more modern with angled walls and a pitched ceiling.
First, check out where we were in the beginning…
Before
Blue and White Living Room After
You can’t tell so much in the photos, but the furnishings were showing normal wear and tear. The brown sisal rug was replaced with a blue and white wool one.
The comfortable Restoration Hardware club chairs swivel so that Melba’s husband can enjoy the view. He had to give up his sun-damaged leather chair…so I’m relieved he’s happy. All the new furniture, like the RH track arm sofa, is in performance fabric which will hold up to the sun and staining.
We kept the glass and iron coffee table and I did a little styling with her existing accessories. 
Melba followed my instructions to cut some red branches from her yard for the white vase! Just in time for her book club meeting 🙂
We tried out my Serena and Lily rope X benches in her living room…she liked them and purchased them. I like the texture in here.
The round mirror from Rejuvenation above her console reflects the views. I love that little oil painting.
Melba’s dining room set was a little too matched and not as up to date as she wanted (it’s being repurposed as office furniture). I wanted a chandelier over the table to define the space and make it ambient for dinners.
Dining Room After
I love the natural wood finish. It might take a bit more care but if you apply a clear wax finish, it should prevent staining.
The host chairs have casters on them so that they can be rolled into the living room for extra seating. Melba found the grain sack lumbar pillows at Pottery Barn. The comfortable side chairs are a fresh update.
Doesn’t this look like a nice place for a tall glass of iced tea?
We saw “The Lion King” over the weekend. Have you seen it? It’s amazing how real the animals seem and the scenery of Africa is spectacular. Plus, I knew the words to most of the songs 🙂 I was reminded of this early photo of Chief.
Have a great week!
Mary Ann
You lightened the feel of the entire room.
I like the dining table very much. The color and finish are perfect. Would you please share the source? Thank you.
Thanks, Restoration Hardware.
Hi, Wow! I love every thing you did. The areas look so much bigger! Such a beautiful room and view.
great job! I love the coffee table..would you share the source?
Lovely changes! The walls definitely look lighter and brighter. If painted, could you supply the name of the paint color and brand?
Thanks! BM Winds Breath
What a lovely update! Do you have a source for the dining room host chairs?
Thanks, Restoration Hardware.
Love the gold floor lamp but a bit more than my budget can afford. Any other suggestions similar? Love your design plan in this room.
Thank you.
What a stunning makeover! I love everything you did in both the living and dining rooms. Beautifully done!
Thanks, definitely a collaboration with Melba!
Hi,
Just wondering if you had any information about the dining light fixture? I love the chandelier! Thanks!!
It’s from Restoration Hardware. Also comes in an iron and brass finish, too, that’s pretty.
You have a wonderfully light touch. You always seems to bring so much light into a room. Great makeover! Delightful.
Thanks, Sandra. I do gravitate towards light spaces!
WOW!!!! What a fantastic makeover. It is so fresh and welcoming. The focus is now on the beautiful outdoors (as it should be) and not the heavy dated furniture and paint. I love everything about it!
Looks beautiful as always and your styling is always so wonderful!
Thanks, Maria!
This is fabulous !
Wow! Just lovely. It’s so fresh and updated. Gorgeous.
WOW! Now the inside of Melba’s house matches her beautiful view! Nice work.
Thanks!
ok – a beautiful update to her home but that picture of Chief made me fall over from cuteness.
My little Simba, Holly!
I love how the spaces turned out and I was thrilled to see you use that rug. I was just looking at the rug online for my family room. I only hesitated because I wasn’t sure how it would hold up with my golden retriever walking on it! It looks gorgeous in this room though! Those window are amazing too!
Shelley
Melba has automated shades on the windows…such a nice luxury.